Maryland’s Derik Queen Enters 2025 NBA Draft as Top Prospect

Derik Queen, a Baltimore native and Maryland basketball standout, is entering the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the youngest and most promising prospects, known for his elite basketball IQ and playmaking abilities. He gained national attention after a game-winning shot in the NCAA Tournament and holds the Maryland single-season scoring record for a freshman. Queen's passing and court vision have drawn comparisons to NBA star Nikola Jokic, a nickname given by WNBA player Angel Reese, highlighting his high basketball IQ despite questions about his shooting consistency. Some scouts view Queen as a versatile, old-school player who excels in efficiency rather than flashy plays, with his draft projections ranging from mid to late lottery picks, including interest from teams like the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans. His journey from a single-parent home in Baltimore to college basketball stardom serves as inspiration for local youth, emphasizing that dreams can be realized close to home. While his shooting remains a development area, experts like Villanova coach Kevin Willard consider him a potential 'steal' of the draft due to his overall skill set and impact on the court.